The Ukrainian team Passion UA stunned the esports community by defeating Astralis with a score of 2-0 in the decisive match for a slot at the Perfect World Shanghai Major. Their triumph on the maps Inferno and Ancient marked the culmination of an incredible underdog journey to their first major.

This event is particularly noteworthy because all five players from Passion UA are debuting not only at a major but also at their first Tier-1 level LAN tournament. The only experienced member of the team is their coach, Mikhaylo "Kane" Blagin, who previously led Gambit to victory at PGL Major Krakow 2017.

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From Sensation to Triumph

Passion UA began their journey in the European RMR with impressive wins over Virtus.pro and Spirit, immediately attracting attention. However, the team then faced difficulties, losing to HEROIC and BIG, losing their lead in series from a score of 1-0. At that point, it seemed their story might end in disappointment. However, they managed to show character and finish their mission, thus qualifying for the major despite two defeats after two victories.

Key to Victory

On the Inferno map (13-9), Passion UA showcased a confident game on the attack, combining precise exchanges and tactical decisions. The leader was Dmytro "jambo" Semera, who secured numerous key multikills for his team.

On Ancient (13-11), the Ukrainians capitalized on Astralis' mistakes, who, despite successful entry frags, regularly lost control at crucial moments. Captain Rodion "fear" Smyk demonstrated confident play, allowing Passion UA to finish the match in their favor and secure a place at the major.

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Significance of Passion UA's Victory

Passion UA's victory is not only a tournament success but also an inspiring story. The team went through difficulties, bounced back after setbacks, and made history as the first entirely Ukrainian team to reach a major in recent years. Their performance at the Perfect World Shanghai Major will be one of the main highlights of the tournament and will draw attention to new talents on the global esports stage.